Nebraska Trails Conference

1304 16th Street,Central City NE 68826

14 April, 2022

Description

The Nebraska Trails Conference is a workshop providing experts for trail creation strategy, funding, design, activities and maintenance. Nebraska Trails ConferenceMerrick County Activity Center, 1304 16th St, Central City, NE 68826 Thursday and Friday April 14 & 15, 2022Day One 9:00-9:30 Welcome and overview of the conference: Introduction of presenters, panelists and attendees and their respective experiences and expectations for the conference. Discussion of attendees needs and expectations of the conference. 9:30-10:15: History and timeline in the development of the Dark Island Trail including: • Beginning discussions and development of trail supporters • Contacting Nebraska Trails Foundation board members • Approaching Central Nebraska Railroad representatives • Fund raising and grant acquisition • Purchasing in phases • Construction and development • Maintenance program and support • Activities 10:15 – 10:30 Break 10:30-11:45 Nebraska and National Trail Update • Update on Nebraska Legislative action in 2022: Jason Buss, NTF and Julie Harris Bike Walk Nebraska • Update on the Great American Rail Trail Across from Washington to Washington: Kevin Belinger, Rails to Trails Conservancy via Zoom from Washington, DC • Railbanking process 11:45-12:00 • Walk to El Agave for lunch (2 blocks) 1:00-2:15 Where to Begin: Sharing our successes and challenges; Panel Discussion • Building support for developing a local trail • Determining the purpose/s of the trail o Promoting tourism and healthy lifestyles • Attaining local government approval and support • Approaching landowners and key players • How to handle negativity and anti-trail groups • Conveying your plans and benefits of the trail • Acquiring positive testimonials and referrals 2:15-2:45 Break – Walking tour of adjoining new Central Park 2:45-3:30 Funding Trails • RTP Program: Alex Duryea, Trails Program Director: Nebraska Game & Parks Commission• Alternaransportatiotive Tn Projects: Nebraska Department of Roads – Craig Wacker • Fund raising: Panel Discussion: Susan Larson Rosenberg o Professional services o Foundations o Corporations o Individuals o Government agencies 3:30-5:30 • Walk or Bike to Bader Bridge (2 miles) 5:30 Meet at Prairie Creek Winery (3 blocks) for dining and continued sharing Day 2 Construction and Trail Maintenance 9:00-10:15 Engineering/Planning Services: Jesse Poore - Marty Shuker - Craig Wacker or NDOT staff • Various types of construction to consider: o Rural or City o State and Local Codes o Trailheads o Intersections o Signage o Surface Options o Bridges o Other considerations 10:15-10:30 Break 10:30-11:45 Trail Maintenance: Alex Duryea, Dean Hartwig, Roger Knight • Cost per mile ranges • Maintenance considerations o Determining responsibilities o Mowing o Spraying o Trimming shrubs/trees o Water issues: low areas, drainage/flooding potential o Equipment o Potential Contractors 11:45-12:00 Bus ride to Marquette via trail trestle south of Marquette 12:00-1:00 Lunch at Scotty’s in Marquette 1:00- 3:00 Tour of the Dark Island Trail from Marquette to Central City • Prairie planting and recent controlled burn adjacent to Marquette: Prairie Plains Institute • Observe pond ash surface: Marquette to Hwy 14 • Observe crushed asphalt section at 25th Road • Observe farm encroachment issues • Observe cedar removal and brush piles below Valley View Golf Club • Observe reconstruction and water damage repair near Hwy 14 • Discuss bollard options and crossing at Hwy 14 • Observe washout repair and farm crossings • Bridge decking, railing and bump outs 3:00 Return to Activity Center – Social and End of Conference